August 26, 2011

Volunteer, Nominate, Attend: 3 Easy Ways to Support "An Evening of Stars!"


Mark your calendar for “An Evening of Stars!”


Thursday, Nov. 17 6 p.m.


Wellington South, 5021 S. National Ave.

From Melinda Arnold

Join your SWMO PRSA colleagues for our inaugural banquet, an evening to celebrate our successes and recognize outstanding contributions to the public relations profession. The flier (PDF attachment) includes the details for the evening. (Note: This event takes the place of our November “holiday” meeting.)

As chair of the event, I’m asking for three actions from each chapter member:

1.       Mark your calendar today and plan to attend the banquet. Details will be posted soon on the SWMO PRSA website for purchasing tickets.

2.       Give thought to our members and consider those who you believe should be nominated for the “Rising Star” or “Intrepid” awards. While we’re specifically focused on those two awards, we also have three additional awards that could be given if there are nominations to support them. Again, complete details are on the flier.

3.       Think beyond “I’m busy,” and consider volunteering for the either the event or awards committee. We’re all busy, but neither of these committees will take a tremendous amount of time. And, the more the merrier (and easier)! Contact me by email or phone (833-1570) if you are willing to serve.

August 25, 2011

Making QR Work for Your PR

We all know what QR codes are, and what they do, but few of us have figured out how to use them consistently and effectively in our public relations and marketing efforts. We might have stuck a toe in the water to see if the general public knows what to do with them, but being tentative in this case doesn't get the job done. Just like any effort in public relations, there must be solid strategy behind it.

Read 5 Steps to a Successful QR Campaign

August 24, 2011

Videos available from August meeting

We've tried with varying degrees of success to catch video of speakers this year during the meetings - sometimes forgetting the camera, sometimes not having the speakers' permission to post, sometimes I was gone on maternity leave, sometimes I just got bogged down and never edited the videos- but I thought it was particularly fitting that this set of videos from yesterday's meeting should be accessible. It is in 3 parts, and while it is a study in exactly what NOT to do according to our speaker (just pointing and shooting a lecture on a blank background), it might still be a resource for those who were unable to attend, would like to hear a specific section again, want to share some ideas, need to look up some resources that he mentioned.
Part 1: http://youtu.be/_RijcSqTZ2k
Part 2: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qUdHMzvJj7c
Q&A Session: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hcK9K8laYvQ

Slides are also available at http://t.co/5c65W03.

August 15, 2011

Listen up! Network. Get engaged.

Listen up! Network. Get engaged.


A new era for PR and marketing professionals.

2011 Professional Development Conference

September 20, 2011

Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce


Register now and get $10 off at http://www.swmoprsa.org/.

Sessions are geared toward professionals at small and large businesses alike. Sessions include:

• GET ENGAGED! BE A LEADER FROM WITHIN YOUR COMPANY. David Grossman, ABC, APR, Fellow PRSA, founder and CEO, The Grossman Group, in Chicago, will talk about the importance of getting communication “right” and will provide proven and practical insights, methods and tools to enhance results and ensure overall organizational engagement.

• PUT YOUR BEST FOOT FORWARD! ETIQUETTE TIPS FOR BUSINESS PROFESSIONALS. Shari Hawkins, owner, 2balance, a PR and communications agency in Springfield, will discuss best practices when it comes to etiquette in today’s business world.

• LISTEN UP! BE SOCIAL. GET TANGIBLE RESULTS FROM YOUR SOCIAL MEDIA EFFORTS. Mike Koehler, president and chief strategist, Smirk New Media in Oklahoma City, will delve into best practices and the how-to’s for effective online brand monitoring and engagement through social media networking -- in a way that provides tangible benefits for your business or organization.

• EXTREME NETWORKING. Students and professionals will get a chance to meet and learn from one another. Students should bring resumes and questions. Professionals, this is your chance to learn how education is evolving and ideas on staying current.

NEW! Showcase Sponsor

We've added a new sponsorship level for just for attendees. Showcase your company throughout the conference for an additional $50.

As a Showcase Sponsor you receive:

-- Placement of promotional material on Showcase Tables inside the conference room

-- Recognition during the event

-- Special designation as a Showcase Sponsor on your name tag

-- Recognition via Facebook, Twitter and other social media as applicable